How to Be Confident in Your Interviews

If you’ve applied for a job and already have an interview coming up, then congratulations! You’ve already jumped one of the biggest hurdles in the job hunt, which is landing an interview in the first place. Employers have a lot going on and are too busy to interview every applicant, so if you have an interview, your potential employer already liked what they saw in your resume! Now it’s time to prove to them in person why you’re the best person for the job. Learn how to be confident in your interviews!

Separate Confidence from Arrogance

In theory, you know all about what it means to be confident. But you also have to remember that there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance. If your interviewer feels that you are overly confident, they may feel like you won’t be a good team player or fit in with their company.

You should be proud of your accomplishments and be ready to tell your interviewer why you’re the best choice for the job, but don’t do it in a way that belittles anyone else. Also, if some of your accomplishments happened when you were working with a team, don’t be afraid to mention that you didn’t do it alone. Someone who works well in a team is a quality that many employers think very highly of and many times it’s what they are looking for.

Body Language

Many times, first impressions are everything. When you go in for your interview, shake your interviewer’s hand firmly and maintain regular eye contact. Don’t tap your foot, drum your fingers on the table, or make any other distracting actions with your hands or feet. The way you are able to communicate with your interviewer using body language definitely plays a role in their final decision.

If you never make eye contact and are always looking down or to the side, that shows a lack of confidence. Keep eye contact an appropriate amount and don’t forget to smile! A simple smile will help your confidence shine through without having to say a word.

Communication

Of course you can’t rely completely on body language, and you’ve got to show your potential employer that you’ve got something good to say as well. The key to confidence in your interview is preparation. You should know the company like the back of your hand, memorize the job description, and have answers ready to go for common questions without sounding like a robot. If you really want the job, it isn’t too much to ask to spend a little time preparing for your interview. If you have studied and are well-prepared, it’s much easier to feel confident.

As you go through your interview, don’t just blurt out the first thing that pops in your head when asked a question. If you need to, feel free to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before giving a well-thought-out answer.

Don’t Sweat It

Overthinking and over-preparing can end up costing you. Just remember, the fact that you have an interview at all means they think you’re right for the job. Enjoy yourself and be the best version of yourself you can be!